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Seroxat is a drug in the form of film-coated tablets intended for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias and anxiety disorders as well as post-traumatic stress.
Seroxat contains paroxetine, a substance that belongs to the SSR serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Action of Seroxat
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for communication between neurons at synapses. Seroxat works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This extends the time of serotonin action at the synapse and the time it takes to excite the receiving cell. Serotonin-sensitive cells are also stimulated, which has an antidepressant effect. It is also helpful in combating various types of phobias, including social phobia.
Indications for the use of the preparation
Seroxat is used in cases of severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Contraindications to the use of Seroxat
Contraindication to the use of Seroxat is an allergy to the active substance or any other component of the preparation.
Seroxat must not be taken together with MAO inhibitors – this is only possible if the patient is closely monitored for blood pressure and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Treatment with Seroxat can be started 14 days after treatment with MAO inhibitors, and MAO inhibitors can be started one week after stopping treatment with Seroxat.
Seroxat should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. If it is necessary to administer the drug to a child, its mental state should be carefully monitored in order to detect side effects such as suicidal thoughts in time.
Seroxat is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to paroxetine or other ingredients of the preparation, suffering from glaucoma, kidney or liver disorders, epilepsy, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Seroxat should not be taken together with MAO inhibitors, toridazine, antiepileptic drugs, lithium preparations, oral anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and preparations containing St. John’s wort.
Seroxat is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. In justified cases, the doctor may, however, recommend therapy with this drug also in the case of pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects of Seroxat
Seroxat may cause the following side effects: nausea, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances (excessive sleepiness or insomnia), dizziness and headache, tremors, blurred vision, sweating, weight gain, anxiety, nightmares, confusion. Changes in the blood count, allergic reactions and the serotonin syndrome consisting of agitation, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, hyperreflexia, chills and tachycardia may also occur (rarely).
Suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior may also occur during therapy with Seroxat, therefore the patient’s mental state should be carefully monitored.
Usually these symptoms disappear after drug discontinuation.
If you experience symptoms such as hyperthermia, muscle stiffness, muscle clonic seizures, lability of the autonomic system and changes in mental status (including delirium and coma) while taking Seroxat, see your doctor immediately.
Rarely, manic reactions, panic attacks, convulsions, restless leg syndrome, bradycardia, acute glaucoma, hepatitis, arthritis, urinary retention or urinary incontinence may occur in rare cases.
How is Seroxat used?
The dose of Seroxat and how often to take it is determined by your doctor.
The usual dose is 20 mg of Seroxat (1 tablet) per day, once a day. In justified cases, the doctor may increase the amount of the drug taken, but the maximum dose of 50 mg of Seroxat per day should not be exceeded.
An improvement in the patient’s condition is usually not seen until the second week of treatment. Seroxat therapy should last a minimum of 6 months – only after this time is there a guarantee that the symptoms of depression will disappear.
In obsessive-compulsive disorder, 40 mg (2 tablets) of Seroxat are used daily.
In the elderly, the maximum dose is 40 mg of Seroxat per day.
The drug should be taken once a day in the morning with a meal. The tablets should not be chewed.
Precautions when using Seroxat
The effects of Seroxat treatment are only visible after a few weeks; sometimes this time is longer.
You should not stop using it suddenly; the drug should be discontinued gradually.
Alcohol must not be consumed during treatment with Seroxat as it may increase the effects of the drug.
Seroxat may negatively affect your ability to drive and use machines.
Seroxat should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The preparation should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container, out of the sight and reach of children.
- Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Form, dose, packaging: Film-coated tablets Availability category: For recpetę Active substance: Seroxat contains paroxetine, a substance belonging to the SSR serotonin reuptake inhibitors.